NordicTrack T 8.5 S Review: A High-Quality Amazon Treadmill?

Dimensions/Storability

The 8.5 S is a folding treadmill—one of our favorite features! Its good-sized deck folds up when not in use and locks in place for safety. When unfolded, the 8.5 S is 78.5” L x 35.5” W x 59” H. It isn’t the kind of treadmill you should plan on moving too often, but you can move it when needed. There are transport wheels for that.

To fold the deck, simply grab the bar at its base and lift it. You will hear it lock into place.

To unlock, hold the bar again and press your foot against the release lever under the deck (marked in yellow). The deck will slowly descend to the floor via a hydraulic release system — so you don’t have to guide it down. Just release the latch and let go, and the 8.5 S deck will gently descend to the floor without any impact or thud.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The NordicTrack T 8.5 S has nice tech features, even though it’s now an Amazon treadmill. It comes with a touchscreen and the option to stream iFIT. The following is what you can expect with and without a subscription.

Stream iFIT workouts from the console of the NordicTrack T 8.5 S.

iFIT

iFIT is constantly updated and offers over 16,000 different workouts.
Studio-based classes include various treadmill classes like boot camp, interval training, and combo routines that alternate strength training with running segments.

The trainer provides direction as he/she works alongside you and other participants in the studio.

iFIT also offers outdoor runs in any number of exotic places. These workouts are our favorites. They’re filmed literally on every continent and you follow along on the treadmill as the instructor navigates the real terrain just ahead of you on the screen.

iFIT features AutoAdjust where the treadmill automatically adjusts the speed and incline for you at the direction of the trainer. (You can override this at any point — just hit any QuickControl speed or incline button to adjust as needed.)

It adjusts the speed based on the trainer’s cues, and the incline is adjusted to match the actual grade as you run in the outdoor workouts.

The total caloric expenditure is calibrated to match your weight, incline, and speed, and your previous workout history. Off-the-treadmill classes are also available in the form of mat workouts like strength training and yoga.

You can also create your own routes if you want to take a break from following the instructors. The Google Map feature allows you to draw routes on the map. Google Images then pop up on the screen during your workout of the location.

iFIT provides enough options and programs that it eliminates the need for a gym membership. We recommend considering subscribing to iFIT when you purchase the T 8.5 S.

Related: What I Learned After Trying iFit for 30 Days – The Good, Bad, and Surprising

Onboard Workouts

For those days when you just want to climb on the treadmill and go, you can with the manual mode. Manual mode is available with and without a subscription to iFIT. Without iFIT, you can also access a featured iFIT workout.

You need to be connected to Wi-Fi to use iFIT and the featured workout, but you don’t need it for the manual mode.

Console

NordicTrack has been integrating full-color touchscreens into most of their T-series treadmills, and it makes a huge difference! Not only is the touchscreen more functional — it is easy to use and makes the classes feel real and engaging.

The console features a 10 inch touchscreen and easy to use one-touch controls.

The 10” touchscreen is surprisingly crisp, with good resolution and bright graphics. There is no shortage of training options, and the full-color touchscreen makes it easy to see and navigate all the programs and classes in iFIT.

Much of the functionality of the console is embedded in the touchscreen, which clears up the console nicely. You can adjust speed, incline, fan power and volume on the touchscreen as well as the console.

QuickControl buttons flank the screen for easy reach and visibility. The layout of the console is streamlined and simple, making navigation easy. Manual +/- controls for incline and speed are set just below, at approximately thumb height. Start and Stop and the safety key buttons are also centered and easy to see. You can also adjust the volume and fan power here.

The start/stop buttons and safety key are easy to reach.

Two 2” amplifiable speakers sit on the sides of the console and provide plenty of volume. The sound is crisp. The volume can be regulated to control the overall sound, music, and trainer. I like that you can turn the music all the way down and turn the trainer’s voice all the way up.

Storage Pockets on either side of the console are wide and deep enough to accommodate large water bottles.

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Build Quality

The 8.5 S is a hearty little treadmill. It handles up to 300 lbs of user weight. This is NordicTrack’s standard weight limit for most of their treadmills. It should support users up to that weight.

Frame

It has a steel frame with side rails and cross beams under the deck for extra support. Powder-coated uprights support the console and handrails. The deck is constructed of a composite material that keeps the running surface durable and solid.

17” handrails extend from the back of the console forward, alongside the deck. The rear 7” are covered in black plastic molding, matching the console. The front 11” is coated with a soft, spongy grip material for a convenient handle.

30” horizontal handrail extends in front of the console. I like the spongy material that lines the forward handrails. More expensive treadmills have black plastic molding here that protects the rails, but I actually prefer the material on the 8.5 S.

Related: When is the Best Time to Buy a Treadmill? Insider Tips on Scoring the Best Deals

Motor

The 3.5 HP motor on the 8.5 S is a self-cooling system that is designed to absorb extra vibration. This hearty motor is a huge step up from the 6.5 Si which has a 2.6 HP motor and only a fractional difference from the 3.6 HP motor in the 9.5 S treadmill.

The motor hood on the NordicTrack T 8.5 S is low profile.

While this isn’t designed for heavy daily use by multiple users, it will comfortably support a bit of running and plenty of jogging and walking by one or two users. The motor controls both speed and incline adjustments, and the 3.5HP 8.5 S motor is seamless in handling both.

Incline adjustments are smooth, and there is no hiccup or lag when you modify your speed. You can hike, jog, walk, and get plenty of conditioning on this 3.5 HP motor. Check out iFIT’s hiking classes — they are super fun, and with the 12% incline, you can work hard while staying low impact!

The 12% incline adds multiple training variables since you can combine any number of speed settings with various incline settings for varied training and conditioning.

Walking or jogging at an incline requires greater involvement by the muscles in the posterior chain, such as the glutes and hamstrings, to maintain good balance. Incline training also burns more calories than working at a flat grade — so you can crank up that calorie burn and stimulate more muscle growth but stay low-impact!

The 8.5 S motor is powerful but quiet. The two main sources of noise on any treadmill are the sound of the motor and the impact noise generated by each foot strike.

The motor on the 8.5 S is very quiet and generates hardly any noise while inclining, declining, etc. There is a bit of footstrike noise, but less than we hear on comparable treadmills. The FlexSelect cushioning helps absorb some of that impact noise.

Deck

FlexSelect cushioning gives you the best of both worlds. You can turn the cushioning “on” via a lever on the side of the deck. When cushioning is on, the running surface has more flexibility, which reduces joint impact and discomfort while jogging or running.

The deck has plenty of room for users of most sizes

If you want to train for an outdoor event, you can turn the cushioning “off,” which limits travel under the deck, so there is less flexibility. This simulates outdoor surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. We love the cushioning feature on the 8.5 S, but you always have the option to turn it off if needed.

The 22” wide by 60” long tread belt is the same size as the more expensive Commercial series treadmills. This is 2” wider and a whopping 5” longer than comparable treadmills. The extra length provides full stride length with just a little extra wiggle room along the sides.

Be aware that on any treadmill, it can be tempting to run at the top of the deck right in front of the console. This position will sometimes cause your foot to graze the top of the motor hood. If you reposition your stride just a bit farther back, a step or two away from the console, it is easier to take advantage of the full stride length on the 8.5 S, and you are less likely to contact the motor hood.

It protrudes 13” from the front of the deck. While it isn’t raised as high off the deck as the Sole F63 machine, I graze it a few times with my shoe. As mentioned above, if I took a step back, I didn’t contact the motor hood.

The commercial grade belt on the 8.5 S is durable with a slightly textured surface. I’ve run on other treadmills in this price range, and the feel of the belt can vary tremendously. The 8.5 S belt is not overly slick, nor does it catch the sole of my shoe while in use.

Related: How to Lubricate Your Treadmill: Simple Steps for a Smoother Workout

Warranty

The 8.5 S comes with NordicTrack’s standard warranty. It includes a 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and a 1-year labor warranty.

Should You Buy The NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill?

We are fans of the NordicTrack 8.5 S. This hearty machine is a great addition to any home gym or cardio training regimen. With a 3.5 HP motor, you get a 12 mph max speed and a 12% incline grade for multiple training options!

The expansive iFIT library of classes and trainers makes working out fun and entertaining! You can take an indoor HIIT class or follow one of the iFIT trainers on a hike, jog, walk, or run anywhere in the world.

The 8.5 S gives you abundant training options and challenges on a cushioned, supportive deck that folds up when not in use. Now that it’s available to buy on Amazon, it’s even easier to purchase this treadmill for your home!

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Still confused? Check out our list of top-rated treadmills from NordicTrack

NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Is the NordicTrack T Series discontinued?

NordicTrack discontinued selling the T Series treadmills, but they are still available to buy on Amazon.

Is the NordicTrack T 8.5 S a good treadmill?

We really like the 8.5 S. It is a well-constructed treadmill that folds up and features a quiet motor. It is even more awesome to use with iFIT because of the training options you get. If you want a treadmill you can actually run on from Amazon, this one is a good option.

Is our review paid?

We were not paid to create this review of the NordicTrack T 8.5 S. We tested this treadmill thoroughly and compiled this review with our thoughts and overall experience. We have affiliate links, which allow us to make a commission. We are affiliated with various brands, and we test all kinds of treadmills, so we can bring you several reviews to help you with your treadmill search.

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